About

Manchester-Boston Regional Airport:

A Better Way to Travel.

History

Aviation Museum of New Hampshire

This classic, art-deco 1937 terminal served as Manchester's aviation "front door" until replaced by the Ammon Terminal in 1961.

Relocated and restored in 2004 on the east side of the airport with funds from current airport management, the building now serves as the Aviation Museum of New Hampshire run by the New Hampshire Aviation Historical Society. Please visit www.nhahs.org for more information about the museum and hours of operation.

Airport Milestones

June 7, 1927

The Board of Mayor and Aldermen approve spending $15,000 to begin development of a Manchester airport. The Board is no doubt influenced by the words of renowned airfield construction expert Karl Kenniston, who had told them: "You have the best natural site for an airport of any municipality in New England -- bar none."

July 25, 1927

Charles A. Lindbergh flies over Manchester in his Spirit of St. Louis, just two months after his historic solo flight across the Atlantic. Thousands gather to witness the event, but the best view belongs to those in downtown offices as Lindbergh cruises down Elm Street at roof-top level.

October 21, 1927

The newly formed Manchester Board of Aviation and Recreation approves construction of an airport on an 84-acre tract of land near Pine Island Pond. Ground is broken four days later and within a month two 1,800-foot runways are cleared.

November 1927

Robert S. Fogg is the first pilot to take off from the new Manchester Airport.

March 28, 1928

A two-seat Kreisner-Reidner Challenger becomes the first aircraft to designate Manchester its “home port.” It transports 212 passengers during its first month of service.

First passenger terminal opens. Manchester Airport plays host to another famous aviator when Amelia Earhart touches down in the Queen City during a Boston to Montreal flight.

1934

Scheduled airline service and airmail debut in Manchester when Boston, Maine and Vermont Airways adds the Queen City to its Boston to Montreal route.

1938

As air transportation flourishes, the parents of a Derry teenager treat him to his first plane ride, a flight from Manchester to Boston. The boy is hooked instantly. Later, the youth gets a job sweeping out hangars in exchange for flying lessons. His name is Alan B. Shepard, Jr.

1939

Carl Park and Arnold Butler launch Granite State Airways out of Manchester, offering flying lessons and other aviation services.

U.S. War Department announces Manchester has been selected as an Army Air Corps Base. Temporary military housing will cost $1.5 million.

May 20, 1941

First troops arrive, including 107 enlisted men and five officers. Area newspaper ads bid troops welcome.

December 6, 1941

First squadron of A-20 attack aircraft arrives at Manchester, 24 hours before Japanese attack Pearl Harbor. At its peak, some 6,000 troops were stationed in Manchester, including the 45th Bombardment Group and an anti-submarine squadron that destroyed at least two Nazi subs off the U.S. Atlantic coast.

February 1942

Manchester Air Base is renamed Grenier Field by War Department, in honor of Manchester native and West High School graduate Lt. Jean B. Grenier, who died in a training mission in 1934.

1951

U.S. Air Force grants special permission to Northeast Airways to resume operations out of Manchester and offer three daily flights to New York.

1955

Air Force responds to civic leaders and approves joint military-civilian use of Grenier Field.

1959

Manchester Airport Authority (MAA) is formed. MAA is a City commission established by City Charter.

December 1961

New $850,000 passenger terminal opens at Manchester Airport. Terminal named after Roscoe A. Ammon, a successful businessman and airport booster who provided the City of Manchester with $500,000 in “seed money” to begin construction of modern terminal. Ammon died of cancer less than two weeks before the new terminal is opened.

1966

Air Force relocates all remaining flying units to other air bases and transfers control of Grenier Field to the municipalities of Manchester and Londonderry.

Second Ammon terminal addition completed. Airport adds four baggage slide doors and relocates car rental companies. The City of Manchester continues to plan for a new passenger terminal and major infrastructure improvements.

March 1992

“Phase I” of the redevelopment of Manchester Airport begins. Program includes new passenger terminal, taxiways, roadways and parking.

January 1, 1994

New 158,000 square foot passenger terminal opens at Manchester Airport. Modern facility offers many airport amenities, including: seven jet gates and five regional gates; three baggage carrousels; a choice of restaurants; an international newsstand; and ample, inexpensive short and long-term parking near the terminal. Car rental agencies are located within the terminal and busses, taxis, limousines and hotel courtesy shuttles can be found at the curb.